Perhaps the existing site on Oneida Street holds some appeal, if it could be scrubbed of its 1980s plainness and dragged into the 21st century — with more space for activities.

Those three sites are under consideration for a new 120,700-square-foot library in the city's downtown. The Library Board is expected to pick a site on April 15. The city would then be asked to budget money for the project.

The two new sites would require buying property and relocating businesses, and some of the owners have expressed concerns about losing their real estate.

Planners unveiled details about the three sites recently at an open house. They also gathered feedback from residents.

"I like the third site, the one on the river," Jerry Koleske, of Appleton, said last week as he perused easels with opaque design pages that mocked up the new two-story structures. "It has beautiful light and has a great opportunity for open space."

John Peterson, president of the library board, said members will take into account information from architects, feasibility factors, and the costs and benefits of the sites in making a decision.

"I think most existing property owners we have identified are indicating some flexibility," Peterson said. "The library is a tremendous asset for the entire community and many are willing to be flexible to accommodate that need."

After the decision, the Friends of Appleton Public Library will examine private financial support for the project during the summer. The city capital improvement budget has $1.5 million marked in 2015 for site preparation, and $16 million over 2016 and 2017 for construction.

A decision on that portion of the project is due in November. About 20-25 percent of the new library would be paid for through private donations.

Bluff site offers views

A majority of the 100 people who attended the open house voted in a straw poll to build a new facility downtown near Oneida Street and the Fox River.

"People love views and dramatic sites so the bluff site is appealing," said Bill Robison, one of the architects from Engberg Anderson who is working on the project.

The swath of land south of the Soldier Square parking ramp scored highest in the initial round of study by the architects. It has three variations, including land occupied by Trinity Lutheran Church, the University of Wisconsin Health Clinic and Fox Banquets & Rivertyme Catering.

Drawbacks to the site: pedestrian and traffic safety with a busy Oneida Street and bridge nearby, and a potentially rocky acquisition of the key parcels, which could be done through eminent domain.

Parishioners at the church likely have the most sentimental attachment to the buildings in the targeted block. The towering chapel was built in 1917, followed by a larger sanctuary in 1924 and remodels in 1961 and 1995.

Brian Bankert, Trinity's pastor, declined comment on the site plan tied to the library. Church members at last week's open house, however, expressed a range of opinions — from enthusiasm to heartache.

Lee Vogel, director of the University of Wisconsin Health clinic and its residency program, said using the riverfront site makes sense, if it's affordable. But she said it would be premature to consider relocation of her facility, which has 31,000 square feet and 23 examination rooms.

Bruce Petrie, executive chef and manager of Fox Banquets, said a takeover of the bluff site could be difficult for the business to swallow.

"We figure any actual project is quite a way into the future and would have to make some big decisions then," Petrie said. "I don't know if I see the business continuing in another location, but we'd see when push came to shove."

Existing site could be renovated

Voters in an unscientific poll on postcrescent.com in mid-March favored renovating the existing site in 69 percent of the 735 submissions.

The existing 86,000-square-foot library would have to expand to nearly 120,000 square feet to accommodate the 342,842 items in the collection.

With 69 computers and no room to expand, significant infrastructure improvements are needed, said Colleen Rortvedt, the library's director. A third floor is not an option, so the building would need renovations and additions.

"A library is a little confusing in the modern world and people might not understand the breadth and depth of services we provide," Rortvedt said. "The looming downside of renovating the existing building would be the cost of renting another space while the building is under construction."

About 1,600 patrons visit the library every day, and plans for the new library call for more flexible space to be used for meetings and gatherings.

The sizes of book collections are expected to decrease slightly during the next 20 years, especially in non-fiction and reference. But circulation rates of fiction and children's materials are expected to remain high, library reports indicate.

Newspaper office has historic value

A third site under consideration is on the block bordered by Division, Franklin, Superior and Washington streets. It includes Post-Crescent Media, the 222 Building lot, Hoersch Home Appliance and a vacant commercial lot.

Robison, the library architect, envisioned bulldozing the rear end 1970s-era additions of the Post-Crescent building, if that option is chosen.

The front half of the building is on the state's historic registry with its quarry limestone exterior and granite trimmed façade.

"It isn't cheap to reuse a historic building, but it could also come with some tax credits for reuse," Robison said. "It's an important urban corner and could be a new use of one of the most significant pieces of architecture in the city."

The Post-Crescent was printed at the site from 1932 to 2000, when a production facility was built along U.S. 41. Genia Lovett, Post-Crescent Media president and publisher, said newsgathering, advertising and circulation operations could move to another Appleton location in the future.

At Hoersch Appliance, owner Steve Hoersch said a move could be difficult, given the retailer's needs.

"I personally don't think they'll choose this block because the view on the river is so good," Hoersch said. "If we have to move, we could, but we'd need to find 12,000 square feet for our sales and service."

— Nick Penzenstadler: 920-996-7226, or

npenzenstadler@postcrescent.com

; on Twitter @npenzenstadler

Pros, cons of Appleton library sites

BLUFF SITE

• Location:

The plan has three variations just south of the Soldiers Square parking ramp. The first includes the University of Wisconsin Health Clinic, Fox Banquets & Rivertyme Catering and parking lots. The second includes Trinity Lutheran Church and the banquet space, and the third includes the church and clinic.

• Pro:

Space, riverfront view

• Con:

Heavy traffic; relocation of existing owners

POST-CRESCENT MEDIA

• Location:

The plan includes the 1932-era newspaper building, parking lots and an appliance store. The block is bordered by Division, Franklin, Superior and Washington streets.

• Pro:

Reuse of a historic building; space; urban corner

• Con:

Expensive renovation

EXISTING SITE

• Location:

The plan calls for renovation or expansion of the building at 225 N. Oneida St.